CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Just two years ago, the Carolina Panthers were juggling quarterbacks Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold, ultimately deciding that neither was capable of leading the franchise in the long term.
With limited success during their tenures, Mayfield was released late in the 2022 season, while Darnold was allowed to depart in free agency shortly thereafter. Both quarterbacks were unable to make significant impacts while with the Panthers.
However, Mayfield, who was selected first overall in the 2018 NFL Draft, has made a remarkable comeback and is close to guiding the Tampa Bay Buccaneers toward a consecutive NFC South championship. He is currently enjoying a stellar season, recording impressive statistics with 4,279 passing yards and 39 touchdowns. Darnold, taken just two spots later in the same draft class, has also found success, now playing for the Minnesota Vikings, where he has thrown for 4,153 yards and 35 touchdowns, contributing to the team’s current nine-game winning streak and a shot at the top playoff seed in the NFC.
Their performances last Sunday serve as a stark contrast to the Panthers’ struggles. Mayfield’s exceptional outing, which included 359 yards and five touchdowns in a decisive 48-14 win against Carolina, alongside Darnold’s 377 yards and three-touchdown effort in a 27-25 victory over the Green Bay Packers, underscores the Panthers’ failure to cultivate or support either quarterback during their time in Charlotte.
Additionally, since his departure, Mayfield has shown dominance against his former team, going 4-0 in matchups against them. The roster from 2022 has since seen significant changes, with many key figures no longer around to hold accountable for the team’s struggles.
Former head coach Matt Rhule was dismissed early in the 2022 season, and interim head coach Steve Wilks did not return for 2023. General manager Scott Fitterer, who was responsible for acquiring both quarterbacks through trades and subsequently allowing them to leave, was also let go after three unsuccessful seasons.
In search of more stability at the quarterback position, the Panthers ended the Mayfield-Darnold era by trading up in the draft to select Bryce Young from Alabama with the first overall pick in 2023. This trade involved giving up wide receiver D.J. Moore and four draft picks, including one expected to be the first overall in 2024.
The Panthers’ inability to recognize the potential in Mayfield and Darnold seems to have significantly hindered the organization’s progress. They are on the verge of experiencing their seventh consecutive season without playoff participation, and the current state of the franchise suggests that this streak could continue.
In terms of recent performance, the Panthers scored a touchdown on their opening possession for the second consecutive week, with Young orchestrating a 70-yard drive that culminated in a 17-yard touchdown pass to Adam Thielen. Young has managed to tilt the touchdown-to-interception ratio in his favor, now standing at 23 touchdowns to 19 interceptions, yet his overall record remains bleak at 5-22 as a starter.
However, the team’s pass defense has shown vulnerabilities, particularly in last Sunday’s loss to the Buccaneers, where they missed cornerback Jaycee Horn. Mayfield exploited this weakness by completing 27 of 32 passes and achieving an impressive 153 quarterback rating, revealing the need for significant improvements on the defense, where only a few players, like defensive end Derrick Brown and linebacker Jadeveon Clowney, appear safe from overhaul.
On a positive note, Thielen showcased his capability with a performance that included five receptions for 110 yards and two touchdowns. With just one year remaining on his contract, it may be worth watching to see if the Panthers consider trading Thielen, as he could be a solid asset for a playoff-caliber team while the Panthers continue their rebuild.
Unfortunately, the team faced setbacks with running back Chuba Hubbard, who was placed on injured reserve for the season due to a calf injury, leading to Raheem Blackshear taking over starting duties, albeit with less success, managing only 20 yards on eight carries last week after Hubbard’s impressive performance against the Cardinals.
The Panthers have been particularly hard-hit by injuries this season, having placed three running backs—Hubbard, Miles Sanders, and rookie Jonathan Brooks—on injured reserve.
In their recent matchup against the Buccaneers, Carolina allowed a staggering 551 yards, averaging 7.4 yards per play, indicating a need for significant defensive restructuring.
Looking ahead, the Panthers conclude their season with a trip to face the Atlanta Falcons.
